6 Life-Changing Services for Charlotte Residents

We’re all about efficiency here at StyleBlueprint. We’re busy, you’re busy, everyone is busy. We get it. So whenever there’s a way to cut down on annoying errands or the little things that we just don’t have time (or want) to do, we like to take advantage of it. Lucky for us, Charlotte has quite a few handy services and apps to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently when we don’t have the time to do it ourselves. Here are six of our favorite time-saving (and sanity-saving) services to use.

These time-saving apps and local companies will help your day go more smoothly; we promise!

VanMile

For iOS and Android; Free

Plan on buying or selling a big piece of furniture but don’t have a big enough car to get the job done? Download the VanMile app. The Charlotte-based company provides moving services on-demand so you can skip renting a big U-Haul or using an unreliable second cousin with a truck. You can also use VanMile to move large furniture around your house — like that couch that has been sitting in an awkward place for months. Basically, they’ll move just about anything and their same-day service comes in pretty handy when you make an impulsive purchase or two. They suggest scheduling two hours before pickup and prices vary based on distance and the number of movers you request.

Shipt

For iOS and Android; Free

Shipt is a delivery service that you can use to order your groceries right from your phone or computer without ever leaving the house. This is GOLDEN for those of us who hate going to the grocery store or waiting in line. It’s also a huge time saver during those weeks where there just aren’t enough hours in the day. In Charlotte, Shipt delivers from Publix and you can sign up for a monthly membership for $14 or a yearly membership for $99. Memberships gets you unlimited free deliveries on grocery orders over $35. If your order doesn’t reach the minimum of $35, the delivery costs $7, which in our opinion is still worth skipping the hassle of going to the store. You can even schedule same-day delivery. That’s pretty huge! We signed up for the yearly membership (it came out cheaper than buying it monthly) and already are reaping the benefits of having extra time on our hands. Still not sold on the idea? They offer a two-week free trial if you just want to test it out.

Postmates

For iOS and Android; Free

Postmates is like Uber — but for food. If you’re stuck at work and don’t have time to go out to grab some lunch, just download the Postmates app and have a meal delivered from your favorite restaurant, wherever you are. They also deliver necessities from CVS, Walgreens and Target. It’s really great when you’re sick and can’t get to the store for cold medicine or Gatorade. We also like to use it in a pinch — you know, the times you’re in the middle of a recipe or have something in the oven and realize you’ve forgotten ONE dang ingredient (ugh!). Just pull up the Postmates General Store category and go from there. Choose from categories like Mexican, pizza, seafood or sushi. Plus many local restaurants are on it and food is delivered in less than an hour. We’ve used it plenty of times when we’ve forgotten to pack lunch and have had great customer service. If your order isn’t available or the restaurant needs to change something, Postmates will call you to make sure it’s okay and will give you the option to cancel if it’s not. As silly as it sounds, this app really has been life changing.

2ULaundry

Website

When a company’s main goal is to help their customers maximize every moment of every day, they’ve got our attention. Thanks to 2ULaundry, we can now bypass the sorting, washing, drying and folding of laundry and use that extra time to do something we actually enjoy. Created by two Wake Forest University alums, 2ULaundry handles the entire laundry process from start to finish. Not only do they take everyday laundry like t-shirts and jeans, they also handle dry cleaning, shoe repair and alterations. For $9 a month, you can become a 2ULaundry Element member, which includes free pickup and delivery. Once you’re a member, it costs $19 to have a small bag (they provide the bag) of laundry washed and folded and members enjoy flat rates for dry cleaning items.

Each 2ULaundry customer gets their own wash and fold bag, dry cleaning garment bag and a wash and hang bag.

Nowait

For iOS and Android; Free

There’s nothing worse than going to a restaurant and being told there’s more than an hour-long wait. Where do you stand for that long without being in the way? What if the bar is too full to grab a seat and a drink? Sigh. The creators of the Nowait app understand our pain and they’ve created the perfect antidote. With Nowait, you can get on a restaurant’s waiting list without ever leaving the house. Just download the app, browse through participating restaurants, pick where you want to go and add your name to the waiting list right from your phone. You can even check your place in line so you know when to leave the house. As soon as your table is ready, you’ll get a text and you can walk right in. It’s simple and — even better — it’s free! Charlotte restaurants currently using the app include — but are not limited to — Crave Dessert Bar, Hot Taco, Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Soul Gastrolounge and the Crepe Cellar. If you don’t see your favorite spot on the app, you can request to have them added.

The Nowait app is quickly becoming one of our favorite apps to avoid long lines at our favorite restaurants.

HUX

Website

Whether you’ve got last minute guests coming to visit or your place just needs a really good, deep clean, let HUX take care of it. This online marketplace boasts top-quality cleaning companies and scheduling a cleaning through HUX is simple: Visit the site, enter your ZIP code and a few details about your space — how many bedrooms and bathrooms — and a list of providers in your area comes up. It’s easy to see who is available and what times they have open. You also can see the exact price for the service so you won’t have to call around for quotes or pay more than expected. Payments are done through the site, keeping cash from ever changing hands. HUX vets each service provider through background checks and in-person interviews so you can breathe easy on letting someone in your home. There are reviews and ratings for each provider to help choose the right one for your needs. Happy with the service? You can even schedule routine cleanings.

Make an appointment to have your house cleaned with HUX. Image: Facebook

Here’s to easy living! Enjoy!

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